Be ready: Dakota Thunder 2011 is almost here

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jarad A. Denton
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Ellsworth Airmen are currently making final preparations for the 2011 Dakota Thunder Airshow, a June 4 event celebrating airpower and 100 years of South Dakota aviation history.

"Team Ellsworth is excited to host our Black Hills neighbors," said Col. Mark Weatherington, 28th Bomb Wing commander. "We have a wonderful line-up of aircraft, aerial demonstrations, and events planned and look forward to showcasing the poised and professional young Airmen making a difference in our community and in our Air Force."

Aerial performances include the Mig Fury Fighters, Trojan Horsemen T-28 Aerobatic Team, flights from Greg Poe Airshows and Jim Pietz Aerosports, two B-1B Lancers and a demonstration by the U.S. Army Golden Knights.

"We have a 4-H rocket shoot, remote-controlled airplane demonstration, B-1B Lancer weapons load demo and a military working dog presentations scheduled," said Maj. David Bennett, Dakota Thunder event coordinator. "We are also including more warbird acts as a way of paying respect to the heritage surrounding 100 years of aviation. There will be something, both on the ground and in the air, for every member of the family to enjoy."

In addition to a wide variety of aerial performances, such as the recently-added Heavy Metal Jet team, a five-ship acrobatic team featuring four L-39s and a T-33 all in an arctic camouflage print scheme and a B-2 Spirit flyover and static display, the air show will to feature attractions on the ground from various organizations.

Gates for the event open at 9 a.m. To reduce traffic congestion, military ID holders are asked to use the Patriot Gate throughout the day of the airshow. Military ID holders are advised to park in the lot across from the Air Force Financial Services Center, or the Base Exchange, Commissary and base theater lots and away bus transportation to the Pride Hangar. Buses will be running in a constant loop throughout the day. All other visitors will use the other accessible gates. For residents on base, there will be a bus stop set up to transport people to the airshow. Food, concessions and other vendors will be available throughout the show area. Attendees are advised to bring cash, however, as vendors cannot accept credit cards, and ATMs will not be available on the airshow grounds.

"There are a number of items that are and are not allowed at the show," said Major Bennett. "Please plan ahead, and visit the airshow website to view the list of prohibited items and prevent delays."

For more information about the 2011 Dakota Thunder Air Show, or to see a complete listing of performances, events and prohibited items, visit: http://www.ellsworth.af.mil/airshow/index.asp.